Four Hotels to Enjoy the Nebuta Matsuri Up Close
The famous Aomori Nebuta Matsuri is held every summer and draws crowds of tourists. Here are four conveniently located hotels near the Aomori Nebuta Matsuri route.

Richmond Hotel Aomori is conveniently located in central Aomori City. JR Aomori Station is a 15-minute walk away, and the main shopping district is about 5 minutes away on foot. This Aomori hotel is near the Nebuta Matsuri route. There is also a bus stop within walking distance, which can be convenient when using the public transportation system when sightseeing.

The hotel's concept is casual modern, with six types of guest rooms: Moderate Single, Comfort Double, Hollywood Twin, Corner Hollywood Twin, and Universal Twin. They also offer rooms around 6,000 yen per night. The single type rooms have wide double beds with a width of 154cm, and the Comfort Double type rooms have queen beds with a width of 161cm. With the large beds, you can relax comfortably.

For amenities, they have cleansers, skin toner, and milky lotion for women, and other amenities such as children's toothbrushes and bath mitts.

The breakfast area has large windows, making for a spacious atmosphere. On the menu is a bento-style breakfast made with ingredients from Aomori Prefecture. People with food allergies can rest assured because allergens are labeled on the food.

Covid-19 countermeasures
Disinfection, sterilization, cleaning of stores, facilities and equipment/ installation of disinfectant and antiseptic solution/ disinfection each time guests changes/ implementation of ventilation in stores and facilities/ staff wearing masks, washing hands, disinfection, gargling and temperature measurement/ use of coin trays/ installation of partition/ adjustment of customers entering the store and seat spacing/ refusal to accept ill customers/ requesting customers to wear masks and conducting temperature measurements/ limitation on room service (staff entering the guest rooms)/ automated check-in and non-face-to-face support

Hotel Select Inn Aomori is located in central Aomori City, about a 7-minute walk from JR Aomori Station. Just 5 minutes away on foot from the Nebuta Matsuri main stage, it is well-suited for sightseeing around the city as well.

Lodging starts from 5,200 yen per night, and they have single, twin, double rooms, and triple rooms with three beds, which can accommodate families and groups. There is a convenience store on the first floor and a pub on the hotel's second floor. The lobby is decorated with Aomori-style decor with pictures and ornaments from the Nebuta Matsuri, letting you experience the festive atmosphere year-round.

They offer free coffee as a welcome drink and complimentary "Kudopan" – a local snack – for lodging guests.

Covid-19 countermeasures
Disinfection, sterilization, cleaning of stores, facilities, and equipment/ installation of disinfectant and antiseptic solution/ disinfection each time guests changes/ implementation of ventilation in stores and facilities/ staff wearing masks, washing hands, disinfection, gargling and temperature measurement/ adjustment of customers entering the store and seat spacing/ refusal to accept ill customers/ requesting customers to wear masks and conducting temperature measurements

Smile Hotel Aomori is located in a great spot along the Nebuta Matsuri course, about a minute walk to Honcho, an area with many restaurants. It is a 15-minute walk to JR Aomori Station. They have five types of rooms: single, twin, petite twin, double, triple, with singles starting from 5,400 yen (tax included) per night. The guest rooms that were renovated in 2018 are clean and straightforward, providing a comfortable space.

As a measure against Covid-19, breakfast sets are served instead of a buffet. You can enjoy juices and compotes made from a variety of Aomori rice called "Tsugaru Roman," plus apples from the prefecture.

Covid-19 countermeasures
Disinfection, sterilization, cleaning of stores, facilities, and equipment/ installation of disinfectant and antiseptic solution/ disinfection each time guests changes/ implementation of ventilation in stores and facilities/ staff wearing masks, washing hands, disinfection, gargling, and temperature measurement/ adjustment of customers entering the store and seat spacing/ refusal to accept ill customers/ requesting customers to wear masks and conducting temperature measurements／

Hotel Route-Inn Aomori Ekimae is a business hotel located a minute walk from JR Aomori Station and about a 5-minute walk from the Nebuta Matsuri main stage. Facing the station's rotary, it's convenient for trips using public transportation and getting on the first train. You can also enjoy a complimentary cup of Doutor Coffee as their welcome drink. There are single, semi-double, twin, and royal suite rooms, and rooms start from 6,300 yen per night.

There are separate large hot spring baths for men and women, where you can stretch your legs while soaking in hot water.

Covid-19 countermeasures
Disinfection, sterilization, cleaning of stores, facilities, and equipment/ installation of disinfectant and antiseptic solution/ disinfection each time guests changes/ implementation of ventilation in stores and facilities/ staff wearing masks, washing hands, disinfection, gargling and temperature measurement/ refusal to accept ill customers/ requesting customers to wear masks and conducting temperature measurements/ limitation on room service (staff entering the guest rooms)/ limited reservation for group travel and trips with large banquets

Three Hotels Near Hirosaki Park - A Famous Site for Cherry Blossoms
Hirosaki Park in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, is a famous cherry blossom spot in Japan. Here you'll enjoy the combination of Hirosaki Castle and cherry blossoms. The "carpet" formed as cherry petals fill the river is impressively beautiful as well. The annual Hirosaki Sakura Matsuri attracts many tourists. Here are three recommended hotels near Hirosaki Park

Hotel Route-Inn Hirosaki Ekimae has excellent access to public transportation during your trip. It is about a 2-minute walk from JR Hirosaki Station and about 5 minutes on foot from Hirosaki Bus Terminal, where the express bus departs. To reach the famous cherry blossom viewing spot, Hirosaki Castle, you can take the 100 yen Hirosaki City Loop Bus, which takes about 15 minutes and then a 4-minute walk from the "Shiyakusho-Mae" bus stop.

There are five types of spacious guest rooms: single, semi-double, double, twin, and family double. Rooms start at 6,500 yen per night. All rooms come with free Wi-Fi, and you can also get the "WOWOW" channel, which offers entertainment from around the world, for free. If you stay in the comfort room on the higher floors, you can enjoy the room theater service for free. The hot spring in the segregated large bathing area on the top floor will let you soak away your travel fatigue.

Their free breakfast is buffet-style with over 30 items, and the seats are spread apart to maintain social distancing. Please wear the gloves and mask provided free of charge by the hotel when using the service.

Covid-19 countermeasures
Disinfection, sterilization, cleaning of stores, facilities and equipment/ installation of disinfectant and antiseptic solution/ disinfection each time guests changes/ implementation of ventilation in stores and facilities/ staff wearing masks, washing hands, disinfection, gargling and temperature measurement/ use of coin trays/ installation of partition/ adjustment of customers entering the store and seat spacing/ refusal to accept ill customers/ requesting customers to wear masks and conducting temperature measurements/ limitation on room service (staff entering the guest rooms)/ automated check-in and non-face-to-face support/ limited reservation for group travel and trips with large banquets

Located about a minute walk from JR Hirosaki Station Central Exit, Art Hotel Hirosaki City has eight types of rooms starting from 5,000 yen a night. The guest room concept is a "fusion of Hirosaki's natural beauty and traditional beauty." All rooms are equipped with Simmons beds, which have a good reputation for comfort that invites you to a good night's sleep.

The hotel has a buffet dining restaurant, teppanyaki, bar, and a lounge. The breakfast buffet offers Tsugaru region local cuisine and items using local ingredients.

Covid-19 countermeasures
Disinfection, sterilization, cleaning of stores, facilities and equipment/ installation of disinfectant and antiseptic solution/ disinfection each time guests changes/ implementation of ventilation in stores and facilities/ staff wearing masks, washing hands, disinfection, gargling and temperature measurement/ use of coin trays/ installation of partition/ adjustment of customers entering the store and seat spacing/ refusal to accept ill customers/ requesting customers to wear masks and conducting temperature measurements/ limited reservation for group travel and trips with large banquets

Smile Hotel Hirosaki is a business hotel located about a 15-minute walk from JR Hirosaki Station, in central Hirosaki City. From this conveniently located hotel, you can walk to popular sightseeing sites such as Hirosaki Park, which takes 15 minutes on foot, and about a 5-minute walk to Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art, which opened in 2020.

There are six types of guest rooms: single, twin, deluxe twin, Japanese style rooms, double, and a suite. All guest rooms are equipped with TEMPUR (R) mattresses that provide a fantastic sleeping experience. Rooms start at 5,600 yen per night (tax and service charges included).

The 7th floor is the "Ladies Floor," which is reserved for female guests only. The hotel provides skin toner, milky lotion, and cleansers as amenities. In front of the elevator, they have installed a security door which requires a key dedicated to the floor so that guests can stay with peace of mind.

For breakfast, in addition to Western fare, Smile Hotel Hirosaki has a buffet with over 20 Japanese dishes such as Igamenchi and Kenoshiru, which changes daily. We recommend the fried eggs and scrambled eggs, which are prepared in front of you when ordered.

The breakfast venue is currently open with thorough measures against Covid-19, such as offering alcohol sanitizer and preparing disposable gloves and tongs. Also, they are limiting the number of seats and spreading them apart.

Covid-19 countermeasures
Disinfection, sterilization, cleaning of stores, facilities, and equipment/ installation of disinfectant and antiseptic solution/ disinfection each time guests changes/ implementation of ventilation in stores and facilities/ staff wearing masks, washing hands, disinfection, gargling and temperature measurement/use of coin trays/ installation of partition/ adjustment of customers entering the store and seat spacing/ refusal to accept ill customers/ requesting customers to wear masks and conducting temperature measurements/ limitation on room service (staff entering the guest rooms)/ limited reservation for group travel and trips with large banquets

*The listed information may change. Please check with the official home page before making a reservation.

Don't Miss the Autumn Leaves! Three Hotels Near Lake Towada and Oirase Gorge
Lake Towada and Oirase Gorge are famous scenic spots in Aomori Prefecture. They are popular during the fresh verdure season, but the main season to visit is when the leaves are changing color in autumn. The leaves changing colors is a mystical sight. Here are three reasonably priced hotels near Lake Towada and Oirase Gorge.

Towadako Hostel is located in the Yasumiya area of Lake Towada, about a 13-minute walk from Tokiwadako Bus Stop (JR Bus) and the Lake Towada Pleasure Boat boarding area.

It is a popular hotel with backpackers and foreign tourists for its reasonable prices and close proximity to sightseeing sites. They have twin rooms to 8 person rooms and offer a simple atmosphere with futon or bed on tatami floors. It has communal bathrooms. With attractive prices starting from 2,000 yen per night, it is convenient for staying consecutive nights and group travelers.

Breakfast is self-service, and they offer toast, corn flakes, coffee, and other dishes. The shower is available 24 hours a day, and the kitchen can be used freely. They have free barbecue equipment rental, and we recommend barbecuing out in nature. They also have free scooter and car rentals. You can always ask the owner, who's been living in Lake Towada for 50 years, for recommended sightseeing spots.

Covid-19 countermeasures
Disinfection, sterilization, cleaning of stores, facilities and equipment/ installation of disinfectant and antiseptic solution/ disinfection each time guests changes/ implementation of ventilation in stores and facilities/ staff wearing masks, washing hands, disinfection, gargling and temperature measurement/ use of coin trays/ refusal to accept ill customers

Towada City Hotel is about a 20-minute drive from Shichinohe-Towada Station (on the Tohoku Shinkansen). The Towada Art Center, with popular modern art, is about 11 minutes away on foot. You can get to the scenic spot Oirase Gorge in about 45 minutes by car and Lake Towada in about 1 hour and 20 minutes by car.

Rooms start from 4,200 yen per night, and they have single, twin, double type rooms and Japanese style rooms with tatami floors that offer a ryokan inn-style atmosphere. For breakfast, they offer a Japanese set meal that changes every day, including miso soup made from handmade miso. Their reasonable lunch, made with plenty of local ingredients, and dinner plans are popular.

Covid-19 countermeasures
Disinfection, sterilization, cleaning of stores, facilities and equipment/ installation of disinfectant and antiseptic solution/ disinfection each time guests changes/ implementation of ventilation in stores and facilities/ staff wearing masks, washing hands, disinfection, gargling and temperature measurement/ use of coin trays/ installation of partition/ adjustment of customers entering the store and seat spacing/ refusal to accept ill customers/ requesting customers to wear masks and conducting temperature measurements/ limitation on room service (staff entering the guest rooms)/ automated check-in and non-face-to-face support/ limited reservation for group travel and trips with large banquets

Towada Prince Hotel is a resort hotel with a sophisticated atmosphere built on the shores of Lake Towada. There is a free shuttle bus (reservation required) from the JR Bus Towadako Bus Stop, which takes about 15 minutes to reach the hotel. There are three types of rooms, such as twin and triple, starting from 6,014 yen per night, and all rooms are non-smoking. You can see the beautiful scenery of Lake Towada from the hotel room.

You can also relax at Lake Towada West Shore Hot Spring, which pulls its hot water directly from the source. On a sunny day, you can enjoy breakfast in their private garden, and we also recommend taking a walk while enjoying the view of Lake Towada.

We hope you enjoyed our guide to Aomori hotels! Please have a pleasant trip to Aomori, staying at a reasonably priced hotel with excellent access.

Text by: ShoePress
*The information in the article is current as of November 2020.